Meeting in person with legislators and their staff is an effective way to make your voice heard and an important part of the democratic process. When people think about visiting their legislators, they often assume that means a trip to the Capitol in Austin--but you can visit your legislator’s district office closer to home. District visits are often more convenient than visits to the Capitol and offer you the opportunity to have a more in-depth conversation than you would be able to have in Austin.

There are 181 legislative districts in Texas: 150 House and 31 Senate. In addition, there are 32 U.S. House Districts. Most of these legislators have at least one office in his or her district. The office and its staff help keep the legislator in touch with constituents, and anyone can call to schedule an appointment. The meeting might be in the legislator’s office, but it could also be at another location in your community—that’s up to you and your legislator! Then just go and bring two or three other constituents with you to really make an impact.

"The best way to ensure your priorities are my priorities as your Congressman is to devote my time listening. Please come by and let me know what's on your mind."-U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett

What’s the Difference Between a Visit at the Capitol and District Visit?

Wherever you meet with your legislator or their staff, you can shed light on an issue and share your opinion--but there are a few key things to note about how to approach a district visit:

Who you meet. If you have a district visit during the legislative session, you’re unlikely to meet with the legislator or any issue-area staff. Instead, you will probably meet with the Constituent Services Director. This person is probably less informed about specific issues, so you should provide him or her with more background information than you would need to at the Capitol. This staffer will probably also have more time to discuss the issue with you.

Early in the legislative session, representatives are sometimes back in their district on Fridays or Mondays, so if you want to speak directly to him or her, find out if the legislator will be in the office then. You can also ask the staff if the legislator will be in the district for a special occasion or event.

When the legislature is not in session, you are more likely to be able to speak directly to your legislator.

The information you present. At the Capitol, staff members tend to think of policy issues from a statewide perspective. In district offices, staff members tend to frame policy issues in terms of local context.

A district visit is the perfect time to share a personal anecdote, explain how an issue affects the representative’s district, and provide local statistics. For example, instead of talking about the budget in terms of a $27B dollar revenue shortfall, talk about how the community college in your town will be affected by lack of funding. 

“Being a source of solutions and ideas for your legislator is a guaranteed way to build a relationship.” –State Representative Mark Strama

Think long-term. When you meet with your legislator, you are establishing a relationship; even if you and your legislator disagree, make it a good one. You will need that positive relationship when you come back for another visit. Texans of faith have strong principles and ideas about how things should be. Our goal must be to make things better, one step at a time—and the way to do that is to work together with our elected officials.

Tips for Effective Legislative Visits

The first step is knowing who your legislators are and scheduling an appointment. Click Here to find out how.

• Have some facts on hand. We have resources! There’s a lot of information on our website, and you can always give us a call.

• Dress appropriately and be positive. Thank your legislator and staff for their time, both when you begin and end the meeting.

• Go with two or three others to be most effective. Too few people, and it’s easy for the conversation to veer off course. Too many people, and each person’s impact is minimized. Remember to assign a note-taker so you can follow up on things you and the legislator discuss.

• Focus on one topic. Decide ahead of time what your priority issue is, and focus on that. You can go back another time to discuss another topic.

• Tell the legislator who you are. Put yourself in a community context—your neighborhood, your children’s schools, your employer, your faith community.

• Listen. What you learn about your legislator's concerns and thought process can help you be more effective. Ask questions that require specific answers.

• Tell the truth. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so! Respectfully tell the legislator or staff that you will find the answer and will be back in touch.

• Follow up. Send the legislator a thank you note. Letters by mail are more effective than e-mail, and they reinforce the personal relationship you are developing.

• Share the good news! Fill out our online form or give us a call! We want to know just how many Texans of faith are putting their faith into action by doing legislative visits. And be sure to tell your friends and neighbors about your experience! Mentorship is mandatory: help to demystify the process for others.

We are here to help you.

Not sure what to say in that first phone call? Click here for tips including a suggested phone script. Or call us and we’ll talk you through the process. It’s not as hard as you might think!

Who represents me? Get your representative’s office and contact information here.

Contact Texas Impact. Click here for our office contact information, and here to learn more about our staff.

“Let no man imagine that he has no influence. Whoever he may be, and wherever he may be placed, the man who thinks becomes and light and a power.” –Henry George